Brackish Desal Expansion

The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Brackish Groundwater Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF), located in New Mexico, is the only dedicated research facility for the study of brackish water desalination technologies and solutions in the US. It serves as an essential research and development facility, particularly at the pilot testing level for advancements in desalination technologies across the industry.

In 2019, the EPA released its regulations on PFAS, which necessitated testing of the groundwater wells at BGNDRF. Two of the four wells at the facility had detectable PFAS levels that exceeded the new EPA standards, as did the groundwater surrounding the facility.

The New Mexico Engineer for the State issued an end to wastewater transfer at the facility due to the contamination. Prior to this, around 70% of the water used for research was being sent to the sewer system. Without a way to discharge the excess wastewater, the evaporation ponds began to fill up and BOR was forced to stop using the contaminated wells to maintain permitting compliance.

These previously high producing wells not only served clients but allowed for effective research to continue at the facility. Leveraging the existing capacity at the evaporation ponds had become the only way in which to use the water for research while remaining in compliance with state and federal standards.

To address this issue, BOR received federal funding for pilot studies on PFAS technologies. These included granulated activated carbon and ion exchange technologies piloted by BOR staff. After research and initial pilot testing was conducted to identify the best technology to address the PFAS problems, BOR selected Garver to design the new PFAS treatment facility, as they can no longer discharge or reroute treated water from the groundwater wells into the evaporation ponds due to the risk of contamination.

We’re currently leading the alternative project delivery for BOR and has partnered with MGC Contractors in El Paso to complete the expansion of BGNDRF to address the PFAS contamination. Our team is providing value engineering and cost savings through the expedited project delivery to meet BOR’s schedule and will have the new system operational in 2026 to continue industry leading water research projects while promoting further PFAS research at the facility going forward.